Botanical atlas
African Horehound
Ballota africana
Long before it had a Latin name, this grey-green, sweetly pungent shrub was a fixture of Cape Dutch and Khoi household medicine cabinets, brewed into a bitter tea for coughs, colds, and fevers. Afrikaans-speaking households called it kattekruid, cat's herb, and kept a bundle drying in the kitchen much the way other cultures kept chamomile close at hand. It was also traditionally taken to quiet the nerves, ease what old herbals called hysteria, and coax along a restless night's sleep, a use it shares with its European cousin, black horehound. Some traditional Cape remedies also turned to it for a queasy stomach, steeped alongside other bitter garden herbs.
In tradition.
Long before it had a Latin name, this grey-green, sweetly pungent shrub was a fixture of Cape Dutch and Khoi household medicine cabinets, brewed into a bitter tea for coughs, colds, and fevers. Afrikaans-speaking households called it kattekruid, cat's herb, and kept a bundle drying in the kitchen much the way other cultures kept chamomile close at hand. It was also traditionally taken to quiet the nerves, ease what old herbals called hysteria, and coax along a restless night's sleep, a use it shares with its European cousin, black horehound. Some traditional Cape remedies also turned to it for a queasy stomach, steeped alongside other bitter garden herbs.
Traditional preparations.
The classic Cape household tea, traditionally taken in the evening to quiet a cough and settle restless nerves before bed.
Steep 1 teaspoon of the dried leaf in 250 ml of just-boiled water for 10 minutes, then strain. Sip slowly, warm, in the evening.
A gentler, sweetened version of the same tea, traditionally offered for a scratchy throat or an unsettled stomach.
Prepare the tea as above, then stir in a little honey to taste once it has cooled slightly.
Safety.
African horehound has a traditional calming effect, so it may add to the effect of sedative medications. It is best avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding without professional guidance.
Our sister app HerbLens identifies african horehound from a photo and keeps its full botanical portrait: growing guide, harvest notes, and look-alike warnings.
View on HerbLensAsk HerbSense how african horehound is traditionally used and what to know before trying anything at home.
Ask about African HorehoundHerbSense shares traditional herbal knowledge for education, not diagnosis or treatment. Herbs can interact with medicines and conditions. Speak with your doctor before acting on anything here, and seek care promptly for anything severe, sudden, or worsening.